ROCHFORD'S long-awaited Somerfield supermarket has finally opened to the public.
The shop, in Roche Close, has created 75 new jobs in the town centre and it is hoped it will boost trade to the existing shops in the town.
It was officially opened by Rochford District Council chairman Keith Gibbs and Tory councillor Susan Harper, chairman of the Rochford Regeneration Group.
She said: "When we first started working on the regeneration of Rochford and carried out our community survey in 2004, the one thing which came out on top was a supermarket for the town centre.
"We approached all the major supermarket groups and Somerfield was the only one which showed any interest in coming to the town.
"I hope the people of Rochford will support Somerfields as the company has supported them.
"In addition, I hope having the new supermarket here will give a boost to all the traders in Rochford and encourage more people from outside the town to come here for their shopping."
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